5 Perfect Ways To Help A Drug Addict

If you are wondering how to help a drug addict, the first thing you need to understand is that there is nothing you can do to ‘fix’ them. This is not a fault that can be immediately corrected or fixed. It is an illness that takes months and even years to be controlled properly and may never be fully eliminated. So, what can be done? As a loved one or family member, you can choose not to let them enable in this disastrous drug addiction. There are times when addicts opt to get the help they need because they realize their loved ones are not going to ignore the issue. It can be incredibly difficult to deal with a loved one with an addiction, but there is help available in the form of drug rehab and recovery is quite possible.

Some of the helpful ways you can help an addicted person are listed below:

1-Intervention

Reaching out to someone with an addiction is undeniably tough and you are tempted to turn a blind eye until they themselves see sense. But, this can actually worsen the problem. Therefore, loved ones need to get involved and do an intervention. A caring and flexible approach should be used to speak to the addicted individual and you should be persuasive and non-confrontational. Never use an accusatory tone as the addicted is already likely to be defensive and hostile. Express your concern for them and show your commitment to helping and supporting them and present them with facts. Avoid passing moral judgements; discuss the effects of the drugs they are taking, especially on their health and personal life.

2-Group Intervention

If you believe your intervention is not enough or you don’t feel you will be effective, give some thought to a group intervention. A group of the addict’s loved ones can come together to talk to them about their actions. Every person participating in the intervention should be armed with specific facts as this will have a better impact.

3-Offer Information and Professional Help

If you think the addicted person will not respond to an intervention, the best thing you can do is leave them information around the house. This information includes the contact information of professionals or agencies who are ready to provide treatment. You can also leave notes about how you are available to make contact on their behalf. The problem with interventions is that a lot of addicts agree to seek help, but don’t usually follow through and this wastes your effort. But, you should always leave the door open. Nagging and scolding is not going to give you any solution and is going to drive them further away. Planting the seed may prove to be enough and they are going to think about getting treatment.

4-Give Tough Love yet Offer Hope

Most drug addicts are in denial and don’t want to accept their responsibility. They don’t want to believe they started the process on their own and wish to rest the blame with others. This should never be allowed because if they don’t accept their mistakes, they will continue repeating them. Here is the time to give them some tough love and place the responsibility on their shoulders. Never take it on your own, no matter how much sympathy you feel. Once they have accepted their responsibility, it is time for you to give them hope. Most drug addicts don’t consider the thought of rehab because they are afraid of undergoing the process of drug detox. It is immensely painful and can often scare them away. Assure them that it will help in the long term goal. Give them hope that they will recover as long as they are persistent in their efforts. There are places, such as Experience Ibogaine, which can be greatly helpful in the process.

5-Recommend a Self Help Group

Last, but definitely not the least, you can recommend a self-help group to your loved ones. You must have heard about Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). These are groups of other drug addicts who have gone through the same process and they are in a better position to empathize with your loved one rather than you. In fact, the addict may perceive you to be their enemy, but others like them will appear as friends because they will understand what they are going through. They have a better idea of the denial process, acceptance and the treatment. They have dealt with detox and rehab so they can better talk to them. The mutual support they get, understanding and sober fellowship will have a positive impact and they will be on their way to recovery.

These are some of the best ways you can provide drug addicts with the help they need. As long as the necessary steps are taken, they will start their treatment and be on the way to recovery.

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